Common Names

Parts Usually Used

Description of Plant(s) and
Culture

An attractive, evergreen shrub, it has bright green, almost leafless stems; erect green branches from which oval leaflets grow, with bright yellow pea-like flowers, much favored by butterflies, blooms in April to June. The height ranges from 3-10 feet and can be trimmed back after flowering for a more compact shape. Unlike gorse, with which it is sometimes confused, broom rarely sports any prickles. The fruit is a brownish-black, shaggy pod contains 12-18 seeds. Requires full sun, prefers poor soil with perfect drainage.

Another herb, called Butcher's Broom (Ruscus acluteatus) is extremely popular among European women. They use it to treat discomfort and pain of restless leg syndrome, caused by poor circulation; that heavy leg feeling.

Where Found

A native of Europe, Asia, and Africa, broom has become naturalized in some parts of North America. Found on dry, gravely banks, heaths and hillsides, particularly in the rural areas of the western United States.

Used with uva-ursi, cleavers, and dandelion makes an excellent remedy for cleansing the kidneys and bladder, and to increase the flow of urine. Makes a good ointment for lice or vermin. A cardiac depressant to quiet an overactive heart. A lymph tonic.

One of the legumes, it also increases available nitrogen in the soil, benefiting plants growing around it, and is a collector of calcium.

Warning

Large doses can cause vomiting, purging, weakening heart, lowered nerve strength and low blood pressure. Advanced stages of toxicity can cause complete respiratory collapse. It also speeds up the heartbeat. Large doses have been reported to cause fatal poisoning.

Broom contains alkaloids and hydroxytyramine, and should not be used except under proper medical supervision.